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1. When is the next civil service test?

A link to sign up for the civil service exam will be posted on the Fire and Emergency Careers page when available.

2. How can I study for the civil service test?

Study guides are available on the Fire and Police Selection, Inc. website.

3. Is there a physical agility test?

Yes, this will be scheduled after the background and polygraph steps are completed.

4. How long is the hiring process?

This depends on how many vacancies we have in any given year. The entrance exam scores are good for 1 year. Although we make every effort to process applicants as quickly as possible, this process will likely take several months.

5. If I am a certified Firefighter, will you require me to attend another fire academy?

No, you will not have to attend fire school again.

6. If I am a certified or licensed Paramedic, will I have to attend fire academy?

Yes, all operations personnel must be certified as a Basic Firefighter by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.

7. Do I have to be certified as a Firefighter and a Paramedic?

No, you must be a Basic Firefighter by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) and an Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (EMT-Basic) by the TX Department of Health and Human Services (DSHS), or you must be a certified or licensed Paramedic by DSHS.

8. Do you offer specialty areas such as rescue?

Yes, we have stations that specialize in:

• Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (ARFF)
• Bomb Squad
• Confined Space Rescue
• Hazardous Materials Team
• High Angle Rescue
• Trench Rescue
• Water Rescue
• Transfer opportunities to the Fire Marshal's Office for Investigations or Inspections

9. What are your shifts?

Operations personnel work 3 platoon A, B, C shift system on a 24 hour on, 48 hour off basis.

10. How long do I have to work before I can promote?

According to the provisions in our Local Meet and Confer agreement, and in accordance with the Texas Local Government Code 143, a firefighter must have 3 years in rank before being able to take the Driver's promotional test.

11. Is there any financial cost incurred by me upon being hired?

No, any schooling for certifications that you may need will be covered by the Department.

12. What about background packets?

Background packets will be given out at the test to the highest scores that will allow us to get enough qualified applicants to progress to the next step.